I love living in Boston because sometimes it's as easy as taking a different path or turning a new corner to find something new and inspiring. I've recently noticed the Institute for Human Centered Design, so I Googled them.  They're an "international non-governmental educational organization (NGO) committed to advancing the role of design in expanding opportunity and enhancing experience for people of all ages and abilities through excellence in design".  So, it's about functionality and usability of objects in everyone's lives. Here are some of my favorite items from their online store:

For when you're stuck in the middle seat on a long journey - Travel Rest Pillow ($24)

To keep your computer cables neat - Blue Lounge CableDrop ($8)

Enough cards to cover every month, every year, forever - Futura Perpetual Wall Calendar ($31)